A framework for cloud computing adoption by Saudi government overseas agencies

Abstract

This study aims to identify key factors that organizations should consider when deciding whether to adopt cloud computing, and sets out a framework for how these factors can be weighed in order to make a decision. The study uses the Saudi Government agencies as a case study and makes several specific recommendations that pertain to the Saudi authorities' implementation of cloud computing. Although there are many benefits associated with deployment of cloud computing applications, there are also several challenges, such as compliance, legal issues, hosting issues, security, trust and privacy. There are also inadequate resources and guidelines for the policy makers and managers to inform their decision of whether or not to adopt cloud computing. This study identifies a number of factors; technological, environmental, organizational and societal, which need to be considered when an organization decides whether or not to adopt cloud computing. After identifying these factors, the study develops a comprehensive framework for organizations to assess their readiness for cloud computing. In addition, the feasibility of cloud computing applications is assessed so that different delivery and deployment models can be taken into account, and cloud computing evaluated from both business and customer perspectives.